This instructable will show how to make a wrist lanyard using paracord and the snake knot. The lanyard can be used to secure a key chain, knife, multi-tool, flashlight, cell phone, camera, binoculars, compass, etc. More projects, links, knot references can be seen on my blog page, Stormdrane's Blog.

Step 1: Supplies

You'll need about 4.5 feet of paracord(you may use other types of cordage if desired). The paracord I used is from the Supply Captain. I left the inner strands in the paracord, but you can remove them if preferred. If done in one color, it will be one continuous 4.5 ft length, if done in two colors, you'll need 3 ft for the primary color that includes the wrist section, and 1.5 ft for the second color that will show in the snake knot. Also used are scissors, tape measure or ruler, lighter, hemostats or needle nose pliers(not necessary, but they make it much easier), and a swivel clip, key ring, snap hook, cell phone lariat, carabiner, or whatever attachment you prefer to use.

Step 2: Attaching two colors of paracord

If using two colors of paracord, you will insert one color about 1/2 inch into the other color. You may remove a small amount of the paracord's inner strands by pulling them out, trimming with scissors, and pulling the paracord outer sheath back over the strands, leaving room to insert the other color. For various projects, I've used three different methods for attaching two colors of paracord: melting, sewing, or gluing. The choice is yours, I usually sew them together, it doesn't matter as long as it's a good connection. It will be hidden under the first knot.

Step 3: Find the center of the length of paracord

Take the center of the length of cord and bring it thru the attachment, I'm using a swivel clip. For this tutorial I'm measuring the wrist loop at about 10 inches from the attachment. The connection of the two colors will be just on the other side at this point.

Step 4: Making the snake knot

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The snake knot will be made 'around' the wrist loop section of paracord, the loop strands being the 'core' of the knot. I've added a series of photos showing the steps I use. By using two colors, you'll see that I flip the lanyard over after making each knot, so that I'm working with the cord on the right side of the lanyard. I bring it under all the other cords, working the hemostats under the previously tightened knot and pulling the cord back thru. Then tightening up the knot keeping the cord from twisting and working it up against the previous knot. Again flipping the work over, you'll see two parallel cords of the same color which will be split with the cord on the right going under, around, and pulled thru with the hemostats, then tightened up. Continue this procedure until you've done about 10 snake knots(you can count them down either side.

Step 5: Count your knots

Once you have 10 snake knots you're almost done. You'll notice from the photos of both sides of the lanyard, that one side has the snake knots alternating all the way down and the other has a set of parallel knots at the top and botton of the sequence of knots. You'll always have those at the start and finish of the snake knots, I prefer to have them end up on the same side of the lanyard so one side appears to have a more uniform look, but it's not required.

Step 6: Trim and melt the excess paracord

Use the scissors to trim off the excess cord and quickly melt the ends with a lighter so they don't fray.

Step 7: You're done!

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You can make a range of variations using less or more cord/knots. Shorten the loop for a double ended key chain or make the loop longer for use as a neck lanyard, a Lanyard Break-Away Connector could be added for the safety conscious. You can also add a wooden bead, skull, cord lock, etc. Visit my blog page for more knot related projects, links, and resources: Stormdrane's Blog. You can find ideas for other gear/gadgets to attach to your lanyard on EDC Forums.